A pilot project was implemented at INHSAC, an NGO public health training institute in Haiti, to establish an electronic resource center. The goal of this center was to provide healthcare professionals with the latest reproductive health technology in a resource-poor environment where it is difficult to access topical health information. An initial needs assessment determined hardware, human resource and business potential for future sustainability. The center was supplied with twelve computers and high-speed access to the worldwide web. The startup phase included marketing and training activities. External trainers worked with INHSAC staff to train 120 Haitian healthcare providers in use of the Internet, with a special orientation for health professionals. During the third phase, staff from INHSAC implemented activities such as online courses for healthcare providers, and free access to listserves for Haitian health care associations. Factors affecting the implementation of the activities at the center have included political instability, training capability and marketing. Staff at INHSAC have made a bold first step in pioneering efforts to bring information technology to the Haitian health sector in an environment where high bandwidth is accessible. Initial successes include a ripple effect (healthcare providers from other agencies who were trained at the center have gone on to acquire connectivity for their own organizations) and improved communication with US-based counterparts and staff using current RH training curricula. Sustainability of the center continues to be an objective for staff from the Institute who expect the center to recover most costs in just one year.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to list the physical infrastructure, human resource, training factors and sustainability issues in establishing an electronic resource center with a health care focus
Keywords: Information Technology, Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: JHPIEGO Corporation
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.